Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Upper airway resistance syndrome
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome or UARS is a sleep condition characterized by airway resistance to breathing during sleep. The primary symptoms include daytime sleepiness and excessive fatigue.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
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References
Pathophysiology
Overview
Pathophysiology
During sleep the muscles of the airway become relaxed. The relaxation of these muscles in turn reduces the diameter of the airway. Typically, the airway of a UARS patient is already restricted or reduced in size, and this natural relaxation reduces the airway further. Therefore, breathing becomes labored. It can be likened to breathing through a coffee straw.
Pathophysiology of UARS is similar to obstructive sleep apnea / hypopnea syndrome in that abnormal airway resistance in the upper airway during sleep leads to unwanted physiologic consequences. Increased upper airway resistance in this disorder does not lead to cessation of airflow (apnea) or decrease in airflow (hypopnea), but instead leads to an arousal secondary to increased work of breathing to overcome the resistance. Repeated and multiple arousals (which the patient is usually unaware of) result in an abnormal sleep architecture and daytime somnolence (sleepiness). Arousals result in sympathetic activation, and UARS is therefore likely to cause hypertension similar to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (This has not been verified in large clinical populations because of the relatively small number of patients with UARS in the larger epidemiologic studies so far. However, repeated arousals in individuals have clearly been shown to be related to sympathetic activation and elevation in blood pressure.)[1]
References
- ↑ Exar E, Collop N (1999). “The upper airway resistance syndrome”. Chest. 115 (4): 1127–39. PMID 10208219.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Causes
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References
Differential Diagnosis
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References
Epidemiology and Demographics
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Risk Factors
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Natural history, Complications, and Prognosis
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Overview
Natural History
Complications
Prognosis
Most patients usually respond to treatment and the prognosis is good, with no long term sequelae. Whether untreated UARS develops into obstructive sleep apnea is unknown.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Chest X Ray | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
Related Chapters
Related Chapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]